Centrifugal switch



Aug 25, 1959 J. D. JORDAN 2,900,909

CENTRIFUGAL swITcH Filed Aug. 2o, 194s JAMES 0. JORDAN 2,960,909 Patented Aug'. 25, 1959 CNTRIFUGAL SWITCH Application August zo, 1943, serial No. 499,414V

s claims. (ci. 1oz-70.2)

This invention relates generally to a circuit closer and more particularly to an improved centrifugal switch.

`One object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal switch within a projectile which will operate in response to the rotation of the projectile to close a circuit therein for setting a fuze system into operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal switch which is characterized by its extreme simplicity in construction and eiciency in operation.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a wiring diagram of the fuze circuit shown in its approximate location within the nose of a projectile.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken at 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the supporting strip and the two spring elements forming the movable parts of the switch.

Figure 5 is a top plan View, showing a modiiied embodiment of the invention, with the cover of the body employed having been removed, and

Figure 6 is a sectional view thereof taken at 6-6 of Figure 5.

Referring first to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, the numeral 1 generally indicates the body of my improved switch assembly. The body 1 is formed of Bakelite or other suitable material and is of preferably circular shape. Formed in the body is a substantially elliptical opening 2 which is formed at its opposite ends with recesses 3 and 4 which are substantially rectangular and which are disposed in diametrally opposed relation. Mounted in the body and disposed with their corresponding inner ends presented to the opening 2 are contacts 5 and 6 which, as best seen in Figure 2, are located in opposed spaced relation.

Mounted in the opening 2 is a supporting strip 7 which is formed of Bakelite, or the like, and which has its opposite ends secured in the recesses 3 and 4. 'The strip 7 is formed with a central opening 8 and mounted in the opening are Contact plungers 9 and 10. In order to retain the contact plungers normally against displacement,

I employ springs 11 and 12 which extend along the strip 7 and have the contact plungers mounted thereon with their end portions projecting into the opening 8. As seen in Figure l, the corresponding inner ends of the plungers are normally in engagement for short-circuiting the squib 15 through the springs 11 and 12 and connections 13 and 14.

In operation, however, these contact plungers disengage and fly outwardly against the force of the springs 11 and 12 due to the centrifugal forces produced as a result of the rotation of the projectile, and engage the contacts 5 and 6, This places the squib into the fuse circuit, as may readily be seen in Figure l, wherein 16 is a proximity fuze, and 17 is a battery for energizing the circuit.

ln the modification ofthe invention, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the body employed is indicated at 18. The body is similar in every respect to the body 1 and thus is formed with an opening which is shown at 19. Mounted in the opening are contacts 20 and 21. Extending longitudinally of the opening are contact springs 22 and 23 which springs carry contact plungers 24 and 25. The operation of this embodiment of the invention is identical with that of the above. However, as shown, no supporting strip is employed.

It yis thought that the construction and operation of this invention will now be understood.

What is claimed is:

l. In a centrifugal switch, a body having an opening, contacts mounted within the opening, a supporting strip extending within the opening, contact plungers carried in a transverse opening of the supporting strip, and springs supported between the body and the supporting strip and normally retaining the plungers in inoperative position, said plungers being movable outwardly against the tension of the springs to engage said contacts within the opening of said body, for closing an electric circuit.

2. The combination in a centrifugally operated electrical switch adapted for use`in the fuze train of a spinning projectile, with a body having a recess and two diametrically arranged contacts fixed in opposed recesswalls, a supporting strip disposed in the recess transversely of said contacts and formed with a transverse opening, a pair of spring blades mounted in the recess at opposite sides of the strip, a contact plunger rigid with each blade and carried in said opening, and said contact plungers being alined with and intermediate of the tixed contacts for co-action therewith.

3. The combination in a centrifugally operated electrical switch adapted for use in the fuze train of a spinning projectile, with a body having a recess and two diametrically arranged contacts fixed in opposed recess-walls, a supporting strip having a central opening and disposed in the recess transversely of said contacts, a pair of spring blades mounted in the recess at opposite sides of the strip, the opposite ends of the blades being anchored between the strip and the adjoining recess walls, a contact plunger rigid with each blade, and said contact plungers being carried in said opening with their adjoining faces in electrical contact.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 380,824 Schlepegrell 4. Apr. l0, 1888 1,485,197 OKeefe Feb. 26, 1924 1,776,796 Ruhlemann Sept. 30, 1930 

